Why SendOutCards?!?

Hi Friends - It's Danielle! In  a discussion with a friend looking to use SendOutCards this morning, I thought I would share my thoughts on "why SendOutCards is a great business" to you too. While the meeting was initially to introduce this friend to SOC to use for his current business, this guy is smart enough to consider the Opportunity presented by SendOutCards and the second avenue of income for his family.

1. It actually does cost less to use our SOC system then to buy a card from a store. You cannot go to any store and buy a card like we have for 62 cents as a preferred customer... or 98 cents a a customer... and even at the Pay As You Go rate, SOC challenges the competition.

2. The best way to to tell people about this service is to demonstrate and set up a sample account for them. Anyone can do this with about 10 minutes of training, and is an easy NON-pressure sales way of telling others. I love allowing people the chance to "test drive" with no strings attached. 

3. It is then when people have had a chance to use the system a few times, that they ask you additional questions.  My favorite question being "how do I sign up?" I love that I have shared a system, tool and product and others ask us how to get started. We are not 'chasing a sale' or losing friends.. we simply shared SOC.

4. For a company to send personal greeting cards for less than a dollar including postage is unbelievable. You name the profession - and this product can help them do better and more business. Take time to ask those around you if they have  "Follow-Up System" for their current clients and customers. A huge percentage won't. In the two years we've been part of SOC, we have tons of thank yous for the introduction to the tools/system. Businesses are no longer looking for new clients! Now, businesses are taking time to express gratitude for their current client and while feeling appreciated, the current client sends sales and referrals to the Business because of the kindness.

5. The time factor is unbelievable! Most businesses are shocked to be able to send 10,000 cards as quickly as one could send an email and have them be personalized to each card. Businesses found they save a lot of time in one click of a button... this click also saves money in the hourly rate they would have paid their assistant to write, address, stamp and send the same cards.

6. The possibilities are endless. If you need leads open the yellow pages and start dialing. Just ask the sales manager to send a few cards for free. We do a lot of businesses we already have relationships with... real estate agents, lawyers, car dealerships, doctors, dentists, etc.  We have also found that simply by being a "product of the product" and sending true cards (no solicitation) that new business is finding us!

You've heard our story before and we can only begin to tell you how excited we are about SOC.  And since returning from Convention in Las Vegas, "The Future is NOW!" 

This is an 87 Billion dollar market and ran by 2 major greeting card companies until now. SOC is #3.  SOC now has it's own first-class stamp and is working closely with the post-office for tracking each card sent, etc. There is so much more... this is only the beginning. But don't take my word! Her are the details regarding the business opportunity.  There is no way you can fail to make money with it unless you just do nothing.

This is the right company and the right time and new technology that is wonderful - SendOutCards' tag line is "Changing Lives.... One Card at a Time."  We recommend you start with your life first!

Let us know how we can help you!
Sincerely, Danielle & Tim Mohr
Send us an Email 

Got Gratitude?

Proud Mom as my oldest is 2 weeks into the Gratitude Challenge.  Will you join us? Age, gender, location does not matter - all you need to do is committ to sending one card a day x30 days.... sending kindness & appreciation to thirty people.  Imagine the impact. 

Take a look at Zach challenging you - JOIN US!

No risk. No strings attached. And 100% money back guarentee if you complete challenge and are not satisfied.... Highly doubt it, but guarentee.

Help us make a difference!
Hugs, Danielle & Family

New Gratitude Challenge Participants

My heart is sooo happy? Guess who is doing the Gratitude Challenge? Yep - our boys! The big boys pooled their money together and are sharing the 30 days to send cards to their teachers, coaches and friends. They are loving it and while I know how I feel and have read your messages, to see my children participate is unmatched.  Take a peek as they show you how easy it is to be part of the challenge by clicking here!

Make someone's day.... What do you have to lose..? That is right - absolutely nothing. Hugs, Danielle

30 Day Gratitude Challenge - Are You Doing It?

Who do you appreciate? Have you told them? Are you are over-due in sharing your gratitude? Take a peek at the 30-Day Gratitude Challenge that many in our SendOutCards family are participating in for a month. Now look at our CardsAndMohr team and customers who jonied us.... we are in awe of you!

As I mention in the video, we want to hear from YOU! Please message us via email or Facebook. Connect w/ us for a $31/mo account so you pay 62 cents a card - add the stamp and you have just made someone's day... month... year for about $1.

BIG HUGS,
Danielle

The Fortune is in the THANK YOU!

We have our stories of new second-level customer referrals due to a thank yous to people swtiching companines because of simple appreciation to realtors and the commission of a $50 gift card. Take a minute to read this story from SOC mentor, Laurie Delk - too good not to share.

Don't overlook the power of a thank you!

  

Are you setting yourself apart from your competition? Here is a story that shows WHY SendOutCards is a TOOL EVERY BUSINESS PERSON needs.

  

The Vice President of a major national bank gave a... presentation to the owner of a business pitching for a $100,000 business loan. The VP knew she was at least 1 of 3, maybe 4, banks who had made presentations to this business owner in the past 2 weeks.

Immediately after returning to her office from the presentation she created a personalized “Thank You” card using SendOutCards. She knew she had to further separate herself & her bank from the competition... and wanted to make a lasting, professional impression.

The following week she received a phone call from the owner of the business telling her she had earned all his business: the $100,000 business loan plus the business' banking account and the owner’s personal banking accounts as well!

The owner told the VP of the bank that she was the only person who sent him a “Thank You” to express her appreciation for the opportunity & for meeting him. Professional and sincere treatment like this made him feel confident that she and her bank will provide him with the service his business needs.

What is Your Legacy?

Unexpected phone calls from family make me nervous... We just talked to them - why are they calling? Such was another phone call today as we learned that my husband's uncle had passed away after an auto accident earlier this week.

It is these unexpected tragedies this year (compared to a "prepared loss" as ridiculous as that sounds with an older relative) that has really put a lot of things in perspective for me and *what* is important... From the unthinkable of a parent saying good-bye to an infant as God holds a baby angel to a little girl losing her mom to friends losing parents... and now this unexpected loss in our family.

I'm not going to be a philosophical here, but recently I have often asked myself what legacy and memory do I want to leave... and I am revisiting that question tonight.... What legacy and memory do I want to leave for my children?  What do I want people to tell my kids about me? What impact (no matter the size) will my life have to those around me...? 

As I read the above I realize it sounds "doom & gloom," but it's not meant to be. It's meant to reminde me what is important and how we should celebrate all the little things "now" and not later, as someday or tomorrow is not promised.

So ask yourself, what is the legacy you want to leave? If you aren't leaving the legacy you deisre, change it.  Only you have the power to change the outcome - this reminds me of a quote from Facebook today about CHOICE - CHANCE - CHANGE... Remember: Celebrate the NOW! 

Big hugs all around,
Danielle

Food for Thought... Just the Stats, Ma'am!

Food for Thought... Ok it's more statistics, but they make one think. What is your plan for customer appreciation, retention and relationships? After reading some of these statistics, let's chat...

40% of consumers switched to buying from a competitor because of its reputation for great customer service.

55% cite great service, not product or price, as their primary reason for recommending a company.

66% said that great customer service was their primary driver for greater spending.

Recent surveys show that 87% of working people hate their jobs and most of them dream of owning their own business.

A recent survey disclosed the six major reasons why a customer switched representatives or product. 

• 68% was because of negativism or indifference,
• 17% had unresolved complaints,
• 6% was because of price,
• 5% started buying from relatives,
• 3% moved,
• 1% died.
• Obviously the first two, which make up 85%, are the ones you can have the major influence upon. Make sure that your customers have a positive experience with you and with the products you sell them.

30% of adult children contribute financially to their parents. That number will grow.

Women tend to be less prepared for retirement than men. Too bad they retire earlier, live longer, and are more and more likely to be divorced.

43% have less than $10,000 in retirement savings

A record 33% of Americans now plan on working past the age of 70

The average American is 90 days away from bankruptcy.

The average bankruptcy could have been avoided with an extra $350 per month.

97% of Americans will be dependent to some degree on family, friends or the government in retirement.

Using SendOutCards will save you time & money in business while strengthening your relationships.  Looking for a business with one of the fastest growing companies with virtually no competition - look no further. 

Check out the intro video on SendOutCards about the product and ease of sending cards.  Do you like it? Know anyone else who sends cards & gifts? Then watch this video on the opportunity. 

 

 

Do you want to know more about our family's story and success, let's connect - in person, Skype, phone or email. We are here for you and will be your biggest cheerleader as you shoot for the moon! 


Always here for you - Tim & Danielle

How do I blog after my last entry?!?

Hi Friends and Followers -

First of all, you are amazing individuals who have offered up prayer for two families this week... and have included prayers for my heart. I'm blessed.  I have to admit, I'm kinda stuck on how or what to blog... While I find the next fitting entry, I wanted to share a email I received about the last video.

Last week, I tried all morning to create the video reminding you (and me) to act on our promptings.. you know that little voice that we often ignore.  I tried all morning and I never got it done... then our 3 year old came home and I still hadn't been successful.  Our kiddo was almost a good distraction to keep my tears away so I could share the message.  I was concerned and expressed it to friends that I didn't want the video to appear disrespectful with Landon crawling in the background, but was reasured he did not do that.

Here is what a friend sent me:
"Danielle - God was speaking to you that day and he wanted you to do the video. Not a perfect video but that is OK because none of us are. It was genuine and heartfelt and that is what is important along with your message. I thought it was very sweet that your son wanted to be a part of it. I always thought you had a good heart Danielle even when we were kids. That is obviously still reflected yet today! : ) "

Thank you to my friend above and to all of you who have sent messages, texts, phone calls and cards. You are amazing. I hope I have blessed your life as much as you have mine and our family's. Thank you for being part of our "Family" in and outside of SendOutCards.

Big Hugs,
Danielle

Law of Attraction

The Law of Attraction states that whatever you focus on, think about,

read about, and talk about intensely, you're going to attract more of into your life.

Think of it this way... According to the Law of Attraction, the phrase "I need more money" allows the subject to continue to "need more money". If the subject wants to change this they would focus their thoughts on the goal (having more money) rather than the problem (needing more money). This might take the form of phrases such as "I have as much money as I need" or "I have a job that pays very well". ♥   Shoot for the moon. -Danielle

I wanted to share a video from February 2011 when I was interviewed by Patty Farmer, Your Branding, Marketing and Networking Expert on Kathy Hines' Celebrity U Radio/TV Show.  We talk about your ROR (aka: Return On Relationships), as coined by Patty Farmer.  If you are a business and do not have a follow-up systerm for customers, clients or prospects - please watch this video.  If you are a business that has a follow-up system, but needs something better - please watch this video.

Click here to watch how easy it is to send card and gifts... for all your relationships.

Lesson from the Video & our best buisness advice: Appreciation will "win" over self-promotion everytime.  Imagine the return on a $5 Starbucks card for a referral or a box of brownies... Imagine the impact you just made on someone's day. "Give to Give" without strings attached and you'll be amazed what happens.

My best to you, Danielle

PS: I know I should smile more (thank Mom!). However, to my defense I had just had my braces put on and between the pain of placement & vanity, I didn't want others to see the, ;o)

VOLUNTEERS

Valued for every hour you share,
Open to giving your generous care,
Lending a hand as well as your heart,
Ultra-dedicated in doing your part,
Noted for going abouve andbeyond,
Taking the time to smile and to bond,
Extraordinary in how you brighten days,
Eager to help in so many ways
Reliable in all that we request of you,
Someone who's loyal, dedicated, and true!



Thought the poem was great and wanted to share. To those of you who give your time & talents to another person or cause, THANK YOU!

Send Out Cards - 3 min Video

For our Customers... Follow the What If?

Take a peek at this 3 minute video - and see if what you know and love as a "Customer," might be an opportunity for something bigger.

Shoot for the moon - you know we are cheering you on!
Hugs, Danielle & Family

My Gratitude Journal - shared entries

Do you have a Gratitude Journal? If not, I encourage you to get one. You can see details in an earlier blog post, but it doesn't have to be fancy.  Just get a notebook and give yourself 5 minutes when you start your day to reflect on all your blessings... big or small.  Click here to see my journal as I read some entries, but you can create a list or write in a narrative. In these simple five minutes, watch how your day will change... your outlook... the way you appreciate what you have.  There is nothing fancy to my journal (seen here or on the video), but a place for me to write my thought & appreciate all that we have.

Thinking of you. I am GRATEFUL for you - your friendship, your following and your support!  Thank you for you!  Hugs, Danielle

Are You Thanking Your Employees & Downlnes?

No matter your business, you as the owner or manager are similar to that of a Coach.  Your employees, sales reps, downlines and others within your company are part of your team and you are the Coach.  And just like any team, the performance of each individual player affects the performance and image of the entire team.

Now-a-days, you see a turn-over within a business as employees look for other options.  Not always do employees leave for bigger & better things, some employees leave because they did not feel appreciated.  You will find yourself in a cycle of training employees who leave, thus costing you time and money.

Do you send them a thank you card, a gift or even say "Hey, you did a great job!"  Have you ever thought what a difference your note of appreciation or gratitude for their efforts, performance or success would have on the employee?!?  We all have an innate desire to be appreciated... what if it were so simple as sharing your thoughts in written words.

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." -Wm Authur Ward.  Allow us to show you how easy it is to use a system for personal & business needs - for customers, employees and downlines. Take a couple minutes and show someone you care... you appreciate them.

We are making a difference for many and will be there to help you make a difference too.

Don't Forget to Follow-Up

I sit down to write today’s blog entry and I have so many ‘business strategies’ I want to share.  Why?  Because today, I was notified from Send Out Cards that one of our team members and friend, Ashley earned the Cruise Incentive and will she’ll be sailing three days from Long Beach, CA to Ensenada, Mexico.   Tim laughed at me (in a supportive way) as I was more excited to see Ashley succeed than I was when I heard I made the trip earlier in May.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m thrilled to be on the cruise and will get my passport renewed ASAP; however, it was seeing someone on our team succeed to the next level.

I do feel like a big sister who supports those ‘younger’ than me in our business.  I don’t know all the answers, but I will share what works and what hasn’t. The biggest challenge for many is in goal setting – I’ll sit down and write the specific goal and then work backwards and make smaller steps. 

For example, Ashley knew her goal…. The Cruise – She knew what it took to earn the Cruise (She’d need to sign five new distributors) – And she knew the deadline (May 23).  And before Ashley would achieve signing five new distributors and earning the cruise, she needed to sign her first distributor.  Yep, that’s right – in a month’s time, Ashley signed five new people into the business.  A win-win for both the distributor and those she sponsored as they now have a tool for sending cards & gifts AND just found their own vehicle for financial freedom.

How did Ashley sign five new distributors?  It’s all in the relationships… and in the follow-up.  Just like our business, those on our team and others within the SOC family, we believe in the relationships and how can we help you utilize this tool… for personal or business needs.  The fortune is in the follow-up… you’ve heard this no matter what your business is and you’ve seen the outcome.  Using Send Out Cards for customer & client follow-up, as a warm marketing tool and for personal relationships will make an impact.  Ashley had made lot of connections and built relationships, she then tackled the fear of follow-up... and thank goodness she did.  She followed up with those who had expressed an interest - and tada.  Sometimes 'no,' just means 'not now;' however, what you are offering may fit at a later time. Do you see a similarity in your business?

Now that Ashley is headed to Mexico will she slow down? Highly doubt it – she’s got some great momentum and has a team of five… her next goal… Manager.   The one thing about our Send Out Cards business is that others can duplicate the same success. There are no area meetings, no inventory or parties.  Despite that, Tim & I are there to help Ashley with her new goal of Manager because at this new level she will see her income change; it is a great milestone and will really change her business. 

For those of you reading this – as our team or friends of our team, please know how important you are to us. It is a blessing to be part of your business and your families. I just wrote about that in my Gratitude Journal yesterday, but my heart is full this week. You guys are working so hard and making great changes for your family.  Keep shooting for the moon; we are here for you!  --Danielle

Stay Connected with Others

We are all busy with our schedules and often forget about enriching other people's lives. Making time to reach out to loved ones and strengthen connections is good for all of us. Connecting with friends & family is a simple gesture that has the most impact when it comes to showing someone how much you care.

One of those simple gestures is sending a greeting card to remind people someone is thinking about them.  A recent survey by the Greeting Card Association found that almost 9 out of 10 Americans believe they are as close or closer to their friends and family than they were one year ago.  Sometimes one person connecting with another will set off a boomerang effect of reaching out!

Did you know that 62% of people feel inspired to send someone a card if they receive one from that person?

How do you stay connected and in touch with family & friends?  (1) Set some time each day to reach out to others. Reaching out doesn't take a lot of time, but it can be very meaningful to those we touch. A simple phone call, e-mail or card reminds our loved ones how much we care. (2) Take time to reflect on what is important and of value in your life. See my blog entry about my gratitude journal. (3) Do it now!  Don't wait for a reason to connect. Send a "thinking of you" or "just because" card can be one of the best ways to show someone you care – and we believe in celebrating people and milestones NOW and not in their eulogy.

Hold on to these connections through memories. One of the best ways to keep our connections top of mind is by holding on to a physical memento or keepsake. Reflecting on old letters and cards helps us to remember our most special connections… and your card – with your words, photos and handwriting will be cherished. Promise.

I know we appreciate you – as our friend, follower and fan.

Wishing you Mohr memories and success. -Danielle

Pay It Forward Day

Did you know today is “Pay It Forward Day?”  Wikipedia states the expression "pay it forward" is used to describe the concept of asking that a good turn be repaid by having it done to others instead.  And for most of us, we also think of the movie with the same title and philosophy. In 2000, PAY IT FORWARD (the movie) was about a boy who had to create a way to help the world. His idea was to repay good deeds by doing a good deed for three new people and thus would spider-web out to help many others.

There is no measurement or size of the good deed. It may be as simple as buying the person’s coffee behind you in line, giving up your seat on the subway or waiting room, or donating food, etc.  And I’d recommend getting your kids involved in these deeds.  Speaking of donating food and getting kids involved, our preschool just donated 811 pounds of food to our local pantry in March.  Many people donate food during the holidays, but few think of donating at other times.  Consider donating during other ‘non-prime’ periods

When it comes to unconditional acts of generosity, Pay it Forward Day, founded by Australian Blake Beattie, inspires others to pass on good deeds. Blake states ‘One good deed might not seem like much, but if everyone did something good for someone else, then the cycle of generosity and kindness can inspire us to become better people. Imagine if everyone paid kindness forward every day – what a difference that would make!”

How can one ordinary person -- you or me -- make a positive difference in this world? One way is the practice "paying it forward." While the steps might be simple, the outcome could change the world.   And the idea of how to “change the world” is a great toss back to yesterday’s “ARK” blog and to our tag line that we and Send Out Cards are “changing lives… one card at a time…” when appreciation, kindness, sympathy, empathy, and so many emotions are sent out celebrating and remembering another person.

If you did anything today, we’d love to hear from you.  Drop us a note and share what you did today to pay it forward.  Our gift today – free greeting card for each of you. Send any themed card (Mother’s Day, birthday, graduation, etc) on us and make a difference in someone’s day.  Cheering you on - Danielle

Build Your Own ARK

One of our favorite movies currently is EVAN ALMIGHTY. Although it was made in 2007, we did not stumble upon it until last month thanks to great friends.  WOW!  We would have missed a lot if we hadn’t added that movie to our Netflix queue

In Evan Almighty (the sequel to Bruce Almighty), Evan Baxter wins a congressional seat then moves his wife, Joan and three sons to Washington. One night Joan prays for them to become closer as a family, and Evan prays to figure out a way to “change the world,” which was his campaign slogan. God appears and tasks Evan into building an ark.

As Evan begins his journey of faith, we find that he is not living with his beliefs: his agenda is all about appearance and power, climbing the corporate ladder at the expense of his family. People who want to “change the world” typically don’t know where to begin, often overlooking the obvious in starting where they are… starting at home… starting with oneself.

The back & forth resistance Evan and Evan’s conversation with God, not realizing that the answer to his prayers may not be the kind of answers he had in mind.  A great lesson and reminder to all of us - God’s plans are not always a part of our plans!  For example praying for love or patience may result in God giving us opportunities to love or to be patient. 

Boy, did I learn as a religious education teacher at our church.  I prayed for patience & knowledge for this set of second graders and God’s answers to my prayers (opportunities) were a class of 14 boys and 4 girls – and that was improved from the 16:2 ratio that was on my initial roster and a co-teacher who was older than me, has years of experience, lived in Calcutta, India as a teen and met Mother Theresa.  These were the best answered prayers and I have had an amazing year!!!  

Sorry for the tangent, back to the movie - Evan’s journey of faith not only tests his faith, but also the love of his family.  By having Evan build the ark, things change with his political position and due to circumstances (they think he’s having a mid-life crisis), he is suspended… however, that suspension allowed him more time with his family… it was God’s answer to Joan’s original prayer to be closer as a family.

My favorite part of the movie (I don’t want to tell the entire story, but highly recommend you and your family watch it) is at the end when God and Evan talk about their mission to change the world and by building an ark he was able to do so.  And we all can build our own ark to change the world… How? By building our own A-R-K… Act [of] Random Kindness.  Wow! This was so powerful and speaks volumes to me as a gratitude girl and one who always finds a way to start the pay-it-forward motion. 

The ARK is wht I feel we demonstrate with our family, friends and strangers as we returned to sending real cards... real mail to celebrate all the milestones... A card for losing a first tooth, TAKS test anxiety, cutting hair for Locks of Love, turning 16, turning 40, birthdays, holidays, and so many things in between. We are blessed to have so many friends in so many places after moving twelve years with the Navy.  You, our friends are like extended family and we want you to feel appreciated as much as we know in our heart.  And as happy the receiver may feel when the card arrives, I need to tell you that we feel the same warmth as the sender of the card.

I hope you’ll get a chance to watch this movie and feel the same calling to “change the world” and build your own A-R-K... no matter what your ARK is or who it is for. The movement starts with one person and one action...  And have no fear - I believe in you!  --Danielle

Success for Business: Three Steps

aka: Sending Out Cards in Your Business Makes a Difference

Success in your business is not about some elaborate, crazy plan, but something simple.  Did you teacher, parent or anyone else teach you the K.I.S.S. acronym – Keep It Simple Sweetie! J

This lesson is targeted to business sending cards to increase name recognition, customer retention, and increased sales by returning to the basics of card sending and showing appreciation.  Our CardsAndMohr team shoots for their initial goals in 90 days – there is a deadline for their goals, it is long enough to attain them and short enough to surpass them.  But despite your business – direct sales or small business owner, set your goals & intentions, your due date and shoot for the moon.

Set Your Intentions – You may wonder why I said “Intentions” and not “Goals.”  The two are very similar, and yet they are different because Intentions are all about what you can control. If you will set your intentions around action steps that you commit to taking, you will get results!  For our SOC team (and you personalize, revise the following for your business), here are some ideas of intentions you might set:

• Call X number of people each day to introduce your business – you don’t need to ask them to buy or try, just let them know you have a business in case they might know of anyone who could use your service/products or who might be looking for a second income. Then as they desire more, find out how to best get information to them. For SOC distributors, allow your contact to send a card - walk them through sending a card. (Did you know 1 in every 4 people who send a card sign up? What if you showed the card system to 10 people a week?
• Follow up with those who you introduced your business to, and get some feedback. Send them a thank you card for trying the service.  As their gift accounts expire, follow-up to let them know and see where they are with using the system; offer to extend the gift account’s life.
• I go back & forth whether to tell you to do the following… And I’m writing it, so it is important.  Attend one Networking event each week or every other week.  Networking is great and has it role, but don’t over-due it.  Networking is about the relationships! I’m going to do business or refer business when I have trust with the other party.  You do NOT need to network to have a successful Send Out Cards business – look at how many people you already know that may not know about your new business.  Share the service with other business owners who need to keep in touch with their customers. Send Out Cards IS appreciation marketing! 

Do you know your WHY? Make it clear and review it – As SOC’s CEO Kody Bateman asks, “What is your WHY that makes you cry?”  Your WHY (reason(s) you are doing the business) must be your motivator so you follow through on your set intentions… especially if the last few people you talked to told you “no.” We’ve have heard “no” many times regarding our business and it doesn’t matter; it doesn’t knock us down because we are focused on our WHY.

Take action! Rome was not built in a day – and the only difference between you and the leaders in your business is time… and it is probably a difference in years.  We loved reading Adam Packard’s book, Stay the Course and recommend it to each of our new distributors.  Adam’s lessons may seems basic and things that we *should* know, but just needed to be reminded.  You’ll have to read it (or I’ll try & do a review another time), but one take away lesson is to take some kind of action in your business daily.  It needs to be a “pay” event (I know another blog entry). A “pay” event is an income producing action – it is not making copies. Share SOC’s service for sending cards & gifts; talk to new customers and introduce your opportunity and products/services.  SOC has action steps and plan – it’s called our Daily 8. J I use it and Jordan, Adam, Jules, David, and all the distributors climbing the ladder follow it.  If you give me a plan, AND give me something I can duplicate, I will be successful. 

DeMarr Zimmerman talked about it best when he share that (I’m paraphrasing) ‘Obstacles are sure to show up along your journey, and these are only there to make you stronger and separate the serious from the tire kickers. Which are you?”  Or we shared that nobody crossed the mountain without stepping over the stones.

Shoot for the moon – we are your biggest cheerleader.  --Danielle

The Impact of Staying in Touch with Your Customers

Not my original blog post, but wanted to share this great article.

 
Services Have Opened to Help Businesses Customize Yet Automate Their Card-Sending Processes
By JAN NORMAN - The Orange County Register (August 28, 2010)

When Cap Poore was a salesman, he started sending cards to prospects and clients.

"There were a hundred of us selling the same stuff. I had to figure out how to stand out in the crowd," said Poore, who lives in Laguna Hills.

Poore found that customers needed continual reminders of his existence. Just as important, he discovered that sending cards for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas or even Columbus Day made the recipients feel special. And positive relationship building always benefited his business.

Former independent book publisher Diane Fallon of Irvine said, "I love sending cards. It's fun. But I'm amazed how many businesses don't stay in touch with their customers."

A recent survey by Hallmark Business Expressions, the business-to-business subsidiary of the greeting card giant, found that 69 percent of respondents had received a birthday card from a company and of those people, 47 percent said the card made them more likely to do business with that company.

"Customers notice and appreciate when a company sends them good wishes around their birthday….Cards make a lasting impression and encourage repeat business," said Hallmark spokesman Marc Wagenheim.

The impact isn't limited to birthday cards, said Jane Saeman, owner of Aim High Tutors in Dana Point. "I periodically send out unexpected thank yous for their business," she said. "I think receiving a card without reason is more heartfelt and better received than the expected birthday card from a business."

While birthday cards are big sellers, many companies buy cards to send employees on the anniversary of their hiring date, said Glenn Richards of Intergreet.com, an Anaheim Internet wholesale distributor for American Greeting cards.

The core of Intergreet's business is gift shops and florists. It doesn't sell to the public. However, it has a corporate division for companies that buy in quantity. "We don't promote it, but people find us, and they buy cards for 50 percent off the retail price," Richard said.

"They have various reasons to send cards.Macy's just placed an order for sympathy cards," he said. "Real estate companies buy 'welcome to your new home' cards. Not so much now; we're affected by the housing downturn."

Other types of businesses that buy large quantities of greeting cards for customers or employees include insurance agents and car dealers, he added.

"The majority want a card that looks like one that you'd find in a store rather than a bulk item printed with the company logo," Richards said.

The hardest part about sending cards is, well, sending cards.

Poore, who sends out about 700 cards a month plus 4,000 Christmas cards in December, used a New Mexico service called CardSendersthat automated the process for him. When the owners wanted to retire in 2003, he bought the company and is changing the name to CardSenders/Client Touch.

One reason for the name change is to avoid confustion with a fast-growing direct marketing company is named Send Out Cards.Also, Poore emphasizes a client appreciation program that is broader than just sending greeting cards.

"Communicating with people is important in business," Poore explained. "You should 'touch' your clients every month and you want to do that in different ways: newsletters and phone calls as well as cards."

He still sends out large numbers of greeting cards to set a good example for his clients.

Send Out Cards exemplifies the growing business value of staying in touch. It is now the nation's third largest greeting care company behind American Greetings and Hallmark.

Users of Send Out Cards services "are aware how important it is to remember people in ways other than 'hey, your bill is due,'" said Barry of Anaheim Hills.

Fidel helps individuals and companies set up automated reminder and card sending programs, and cards are important marketing tools. They can merely be card senders who like the discount – cards average $1 each – or become distributors.

He practices what he pitches sending about 2,000 a year. "If I hear somebody got a new job, I send a card. I send lots to friends and family."

Like CardSenders/Client Touch, Send Out Cards has recognized the importance of having a huge selection, Fidel said. "When I started with them three years ago, they had only 1,000 card choices. Now they have 14,000 images in eight super categories and 80 subcategories. Plus I can send motivational books, brownies, gift cards."

Former book publisher Fallon has also jumped on the Send Out Cards bandwagon, but mostly for fun.

"I do help businesses keep their name out there with customers," she said. "Many of them send a bulk mailing once a year and it's thrown away. If they send a card with a heartfelt message, people tend to hang onto it and they remember you."

Fallon personalizes her own cards with photos she has taken of the recipient and uses software that captures her handwriting when composing the message. "What I love is personalizing my cards. A business can do it too. A caterer can put a recipe in the card. A Realtor can take a picture of a client in front of the house he just bought and put that in the card."

Poore recommends personalizing the card as much as possible, from the message written specifically for the recipient, to commemorative stamps, not just standard American flag postage stamps and definitely not a postage meter imprint.

"All this says to the person, 'You're important to me,'" he said.

It sounds biased if I say, great article... but it really gives you great advice on taking care of your business and your customers.  And for those of you who want to use Send Out Cards for personal reasons, think of the impact you have on someone's day for celebrating even the litle things.  We are always here to answer questions, get you started and provide support along the way. 

Shoot for the moon! --Danielle